Under the Covers

by K. C. Wells

  “I can live with the subterfuge,” Chris said in a joking manner. Inwardly he sighed. There were times when he fervently wished he was not Jase’s photographer, that they’d met in a bar or a club, and that he was free to say how he felt.

  And what if I did just that? What if I asked him out on a date?

  Chris tried to see the situation from Jase’s point of view. The age gap between them wasn’t that huge—a mere seven years, which was nothing these days—but it might not appear that way to Jase. For all Chris knew, thirty-four might seem ancient to him. Then there was the whole business side. The worst-case scenario was that Jase said no and felt pretty awkward working with him after that.

  “Have you got time for a coffee before your meetings?”

  Chris blinked, surfacing from his train of thought. “Sure. I need more caffeine for what’s coming.”

  And spending more time with Jase was a definite bonus. As for thinking about his exhibition pitch?

  He had time. It was only Wednesday.

  JASE shook hands with the CEO of Rainbow Unicorn Press. “Thanks again.”

  Teresa York beamed at him. “Thank you for meeting with me. I’ve seen lots of your covers, and the thought that you’re going to work with us is extremely exciting. We want to be careful not to overuse you, however. Readers often complain when they see the same face over and over again.”

  Jase smiled. “I get that.”

  “You’d be surprised how many times an author sends us details of a model they’ve seen who’d be perfect for a book, but when we contact the model, they don’t want to be on the cover of a gay romance.”

  “What do they think? Readers will assume they’re gay? That it will somehow damage their reputation?” Jase shook his head. “Some people are strange.”

  “Which is why it’s great to find a model who doesn’t mind,” Teresa added.

  He chuckled. “I wonder if it works both ways. Will there be readers complaining that ‘this guy can’t be on the cover of a het romance because he’s gay’?”

  She laughed. “Well, we haven’t encountered that one yet, but doubtless it will come.” She glanced over his shoulder. “Ah. Here’s my next appointment. Thanks again, Jase. Oliver Garrett, the head of our art department, will be in touch. And please, stop by our event on Saturday afternoon. It’s always a lot of fun, and I’ll introduce you to some of our authors.”

  “I’d like that.” Jase got a good feeling about Rainbow Unicorn Press. A group of authors had started it, and the enterprise had a family feel to it.

  “Dean Mason is running the event, so I’ll make sure to introduce you. He might decide to use you as part of the event.”

  Jase beamed. “I’ve already met Dean. And that would be great. I don’t mind helping out.” Anything to get his face known among the authors.

  “Excellent. I’ll see you then.”

  He left Teresa and headed for the sports bar where he was due to meet Chris. When he’d mentioned to Teresa that he usually worked with one photographer, she had smiled at the mention of Chris’s name. They loved his photos, apparently.

  He emerged from the passageway to the convention center into the busy casino. It seemed to be heaving at all hours of the day. Near reception was another bar, surrounded by a wall of orange glass tiles, with the bar at its center and low, cushioned seats radiating out from it. As he passed by, Jase peered inside and caught sight of Chris deep in conversation with a dark-haired, good-looking guy.

  For one moment Jase’s heartbeat stuttered. The two men were clearly well acquainted. Every now and then, the guy would touch Chris’s arm or leg, but Chris didn’t react, so Jase surmised this was normal behavior. His chest tightened and his gut roiled.

  Then Chris glanced up and saw him. Before Jase could step out of his line of sight, Chris beckoned him to join them. His heart pounding, Jase climbed the three steps into the bar and was instantly bathed in orange light. He walked carefully to the seated men, trying to get a handle on his emotions.

  Chris stood. “Hey. Let me introduce you. Jase, this is Sean. He comes to a lot of these conventions, except he’s only here for the LGBT authors.”

  Sean smiled. “I come to conventions with my mom. She’ll be in one panel after another, meeting her favorite romance authors. I wait until the book signing, when I can see all my favorites in one place.” He looked Jase up and down. “God, you’re even more handsome in real life. Will you be at the book signing? I’ll bring over some books for you to sign.” He flashed Chris a grin. “I have a few.”

  Chris snorted as he retook his seat. “He usually turns up with a carry-on full of books he’s bought during the year, ready for authors to sign. By the end of the con, he’s filled another.” He met Jase’s gaze. “I was going to ask if you wanted to walk around the signing with me. That’s one of my official roles. I take photos of all the attending authors.”

  “I’d love to.” Jase perched on the edge of a seat cushion.

  Sean cleared his throat. “Are you guys gonna be at Dean’s thing tonight? And if so, can I sit with you?”

  Chris snorted. “What he really means is, ‘Please, guys, don’t make me sit with my mom and her friends.’”

  He snickered. “Do you blame me? Why would I want to sit with a bunch of middle-aged ladies when I can sit with the cool guys?”

  “When are you going to move out?” Chris asked him.

  Sean rolled his eyes. “When Mr. Right comes along in his limo and whisks me away so he can be my daddy and take care of me.”

  Jase had to laugh, his tension rolling off him. Sean was an okay guy.

  “Sure. We’ll save you a seat,” he said impulsively.

  “I’ll be the one in the rainbow unicorn onesie,” Sean said with a gleam in his eye. “Oh, and bunny slippers.”

  Jase blinked, and Chris burst out laughing. “I hadn’t told him that part.” He turned to Jase. “Everyone comes in their jammies.”

  Jase scowled. “I wish you’d told me that before we came here. I don’t have a single pair of pajamas.”

  Sean bit his lip. “Sorry. Trying desperately here not to picture what you do sleep in.”

  “Behave,” Chris told him. He rubbed his chin. “Have you got a pair of sweats and a T-shirt? That would do just as well. Dean usually wears sweats.”

  “To start with,” Sean interjected, “but they come off at some point and he’s in his shorts.” He caught Jase’s gaze. “That’s how we mark the passage of the movie—by which layer Dean is taking off.”

  Jase mentally ticked off the contents of his suitcase and bag. “Yeah, I think I can manage that.” He smiled at Sean. “And I look forward to seeing you in the onesie. I’m very fond of rainbow unicorns right now.”

  Chris stared at him, his eyes shining. “They liked you, didn’t they?”

  Jase chuckled. “What gave it away?”

  To his surprise, Chris got up, moved to where Jase sat, and gave him a one-armed hug. “That’s awesome. I’m glad this is working out for you.”

  “Hey, it’s all work. Gotta do something until some big Hollywood director realizes I’m what’s missing from his latest blockbuster. Right?”

  Chris’s gaze was compassionate. “It’ll happen,” he said softly. “Just keep believing.”

  Chris’s belief in him was like a balm to Jase’s anguished soul. And he wanted more of it.

  Chapter Six

  BY the time they arrived at the large room where Monstrous Movies would take place, it was already a hive of industry. Several people were putting out boxes of popcorn and snacks, and others were arranging things on a wide table at the front of the room. There were bags, books, cellophane-wrapped baskets, and all manner of swag.

  Dean was staring at one of two huge screens, running his hands through his hair. Blue light projected onto the screen, and Chris had a sinking feeling he knew what that meant.

  “You having problems?” he called out as he and Jase walked up the aisle between the two blocks of cha
irs.

  Dean jerked his head in their direction. “Thank God. You’re good with technical shit, aren’t you? I’ve had three run-throughs without a single hitch, but now that we’re about to go live? My laptop has decided to throw a hissy fit. Can you get this piece of crap to play ball?”

  Chris chuckled. “Leave it to me.”

  Dean heaved a sigh of relief. “Thank you.” His gaze alighted on Jase, and his eyes widened. “Oh. There’s something you could do for me this evening, if you feel up to it. We pause the movie at several stages to give out prizes and swag. Would you help me do that? It would mean about two hundred people at least get to see your pretty face.”

  “Which is good publicity,” Chris added as he knelt on the floor beside the laptop.

  “You wouldn’t be the only one,” Dean stressed. “There’ll be three or four authors at the front too.”

  It didn’t take Jase long to make up his mind. “Sure. Why not?”

  Dean beamed. “Fabulous!” He fanned himself. “Christ, we’re not even started yet and I’m already at boiling point.”

  “That’s because you’re getting stressed out. Everything will be fine,” Chris said soothingly. He finished the setup and clicked Play. On the screen appeared the opening credits for the movie. “Ta-da!”

  Dean visibly sagged. “You genius. I don’t suppose I could ask you to stay close tonight, in case it goes on the fritz again?”

  Chris gave him a hopefully reassuring smile. “Of course.” He winked at Jase. “You didn’t think you were just gonna sit down and watch a movie, did you?”

  Jase laughed. “I don’t mind in the least. I’m looking forward to it. Especially as I’ve never seen it.”

  Dean’s eyes were huge. “Oh. My. God. Where were you in the year 2000? I think the entire universe heard the sound this movie made when it flopped.”

  Jase bit his lip. “I was seven years old at the time.”

  Dean met Chris’s gaze. “Why, you cradle robber, you.” He grinned before waving at a couple of people who entered the room. “Excuse me.” He went over to them.

  Chris stared after him, shocked into silence. What on earth had he said or done to give Dean the impression that he and Jase were an item? He glanced at Jase to see how he was taking Dean’s presumptive statement.

  Jase was obviously trying not to laugh, and Chris couldn’t decide if he was relieved or disappointed.

  “Well, I suppose I started this, right?” Jase said at last, his lips still twitching. His eyes gleamed. “So does this make me your book boyfriend?”

  Chris found enough presence of mind to roll his eyes. “Book boyfriends are fictional, not boys on the covers of books. And yes, you started this.”

  Not that Chris had any problem maintaining such a fiction.

  “Want to tell me something about this movie? Or should I just wait and see?”

  Chris snickered. “Trust me. You’ll want to see Dean when he’s full-on. It’s a spectacle not to be missed. And I don’t want to spoil it for you.”

  “People, people! The doors open in ten minutes!” Dean yelled from the back of the room. “Let’s make sure we’re ready for them.”

  Chris pointed to a chair on the end of a row, close by. “Sit there. You’ll be at the front, so you can easily get up to do your thing during the breaks. I’ll sit on the floor and keep an eye on the technical side.”

  It wasn’t exactly how he’d envisioned spending the evening, but hey….

  BY eleven thirty, the movie finally came to an end, and Jase was exhausted. “Where does Dean find the energy? Just watching him tired me out.” Throughout the movie, Dean had kept up a running commentary that had been so funny at times that Jase had cried with laughter. The movie had to have had some of the stupidest aliens ever, and that perpetual forty-five-degree camera angle left him dizzy.

  Chris was packing away the laptop while Dean dismantled the screen. “Dean searches for the perfect movie every year. I think he outdid himself this year.” He stretched, and Jase took a moment to admire his lean figure.

  “I’m not the only one who uses a gym, I think.”

  Chris laughed. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’ve never set foot inside one. I’m very careful about what I eat, because I swear just thinking about a burger and fries puts on pounds. But I walk a lot. Sometimes I walk instead of taking the metro, just to keep the weight on track.” He shrugged. “Seems to work, but there are times when all I want is a couple glasses of white wine and a rich chocolate dessert.” His eyes glittered. “Wait until you hit thirty. It gets harder. When I was in my twenties, I could eat whatever the hell I liked.”

  Jase had an idea. “Well, I don’t know about the dessert at this hour, but we could have a glass of chilled white wine at the bar. I think we deserve it after tonight.”

  Chris’s smile sent warmth trickling through him. “I think that’s a great idea. Unless you think it’s too late?”

  Jase suddenly found his second wind. “A glass of wine before bed will help me sleep. And I can always work it off in the gym in the morning,” he added with a smile.

  He wasn’t quite ready for the day to end.

  Sean came over to them, his unicorn hood pulled up. “That was a lot of fun, but I’m ready for bed. Thanks for letting me sit with you,” he said to Jase, “although I don’t think you did much sitting. You were up and down like a bride’s nightgown.”

  Jase snorted. “Well, that’s a saying I haven’t heard before.”

  “Blame my mom. She’s British. Twenty-five years she’s lived over here, and she still comes out with these sayings that make my eyes roll.” He glanced down. “I’m gonna take my bunnies and get out of here. I’ll probably see you around.” He grinned. “I’ll be the one heckling you in the cover model contest. So if you hear the words ‘Those clothes are terrible! Take ’em off!’ that’ll be me.” His eyes twinkled.

  Chris gave him a hard stare. “Let me remind you I’m running that event. So keep it clean.”

  Sean rolled his eyes. “Are you kidding me? Those ladies will love it. I’ve heard some of them come out with far worse.” He yawned. “Good night, guys.” And with that, he walked slowly up the aisle toward the exit.

  “I’m done here.” Chris grabbed his jacket. “Time for that drink.”

  Jase was more than ready.

  THE bar was about half-full, mostly people sitting in small groups, talking quietly. Chris ordered two glasses of pinot grigio, then joined Jase in two of the more comfortable-looking seats.

  “So, the end of your first full day. What do you think so far?”

  Jase chuckled. “I think it hasn’t really got going yet. Tomorrow will be more challenging. There’s the cover model contest in the afternoon, then I’m dancing at the evening party. Then there’s the wedding event Friday morning.” He looked Chris in the eye. “And Friday night is Vegas night, remember?”

  Chris wasn’t likely to forget. He’d already found a place where they could have dinner. What struck him was how absurdly excited he was about the prospect. They’d had dinner together the previous night. Why should eating out in Vegas feel like such a big deal?

  It took him a moment to hit on the reason. Eating together in the hotel was just fueling up. A dinner in a restaurant—especially the one he’d chosen—had a much more intimate feel to it.

  Why am I torturing myself like this? I know I’m not going to make a move on him, so why act like it’s a possibility?

  “Dean’s remark didn’t bother you, did it?”

  Jase’s question brought him back from his thoughts. “Excuse me?”

  “That remark about you being a cradle robber.” Jase’s cream cheeks were suddenly flushed. “You had this expression, like you were startled by it. I wondered if you felt insulted… you know… maybe because you don’t go out with younger guys.”

  Chris was struck dumb for a second or two. “No, no, it wasn’t that at all. I just didn’t expect him to assume we were together. That’s all. I me
an, it’s not like we said as much, right? And for the record, I have no qualms about dating younger guys.” He smiled. “Not that I date all that much.”

  Jase stared at him. “How come? You’re really good-looking.” The flush on his cheeks deepened. “Sorry. That was rude. What you do or don’t do is none of my business.”

  “That’s okay.” Chris was still glowing inside from the knowledge that Jase found him attractive. He took a sip of wine before continuing. “I think I’m too fussy when it comes to men. I’m not someone who goes out with a guy on a whim. He has to tick a lot of boxes before I ask him out.”

  “I’m intrigued. What kind of boxes? Are we talking looks, intellect…?”

  Chris smiled. “How a guy looks isn’t at the top of the list, I’ll be honest. What matters more is what kind of man he is. Is he kind? Gentle? Compassionate? Funny? And I don’t mean, does he have me aching with laughter, but does he have a good sense of humor?”

  “Those sound like good things to want in a date.”

  Chris nodded. “There are more boxes, though. I’ve dated guys who only wanted to talk about themselves. Or who were interested in nothing but sports. Or politics. I enjoy talking.”

  Jase had to chuckle. “Yeah, I kinda guessed that after our flight. I think we talked for most of it.”

  Chris had enjoyed every minute of it. “Yes, but think about how many different topics we covered in that time. Movies, music, books…. You and I could talk for hours just about Marvel comics.”

  Jase let out a snicker. “That’s because we’re both geeks who collect comics.”

  “See? That’s exactly what I’m talking about. I told one date about my collection, and I got this withering look, like I’d told him I collected fungus, or toenail clippings, or something gross like that.”